IntroductionBluetooth has been all the rage recently with all the accessories being released, from headsets, headphones, mice, and more. Surprisingly, Logitech decided to break from the trend and make their newest performance notebook mouse using RF technology. Although a bluetooth mouse is nice to have since most new notebooks can be configured with built-in bluetooth, we were less than impressed with Logitech's latest V470 Bluetooth Mouse. RF is a tried and true technology for pointing devices, so the question is, does the Logitech VX Nano live up to our expectations?

SetupThe package comes with a protective pouch for the mouse, 2 AAA batteries, a 2.4GHz receiver and the install CD. To use the mouse, install the batteries and plug the receiver in to an open USB port. There is also an on/off switch at the bottom of the mouse. Installation of the Logitech software is optional and simple. You can use it to swap button assignments, set pointer speed, set scroll settings, and to monitor the mouse battery life.

ReviewSmaller is better? The most obvious thing about this mouse is the size of the receiver. The Logitech website provides a picture showing the size progression of this type of receiver, and it has come a long way. It stays so flush with the USB port that even my Dell 85Whr battery extends further than it. This means that you don't even have to put away the receiver if you don't feel like it when you shut down your computer. However, if you choose to, Logitech has also designed a slot inside the mouse where you can store the receiver. When you take out or store the receiver, it automatically turns on or shuts off the mouse, respectively.

The mouse itself looks very stylish. The ergonomics of the device are also good; it is more comfortable to use for extended periods than the Logitech V470. It isn't very heavy, which is another problem that seems to plague cordless mice. It also features a scroll wheel that can be switched from "frictionless" to click scroll with a simple press of a button. Although true frictionless operation can never be achieved, the scroll wheel on the VX Nano spins quite freely. The best part about this mouse (aside from all the other great attributes), are the pads on the bottom of the mouse. It's hard to describe the smoothness it adds to the motion. The best example I have is that while my Logitech G5 feels like I'm sliding it across a brick, the Logitech VX Nano feels like I'm sliding it across silk. It even sounds like that. Yes folks, it's THAT good.

The precision of the mouse is also excellent. As you can see, I was able to draw a perfect circle with this mouse, just like with the G5. I've tested it in various scenarios, from surfing the web for deals to gaming, and it has exceeded my expectations. One problem I did have was with the location of the forward and back buttons. They are somewhat awkwardly placed by the left mouse button.

As I mentioned before, the VX Nano has an on-and-off switch at the bottom, which is useful for conserving battery life (which is claimed to be up to 6 months). It comes with a pair of AAA Alkaline batteries, but I'd recommend getting some rechargeable low discharge NiMH cells such as Sanyo Eneloops if you plan to use it often.

ConclusionThis is probably the first cordless mouse that I have ever enjoyed using. From a design perspective, it's black, it's shiny, it's got nice curves, and it's designed pretty well from an ergonomic standpoint for a notebook mouse. From a usability standpoint, it's got great precision, it's not so small that you have to strain your hand to use it, but it has awkwardly placed forward/back buttons. Given that it is made small to be portable, it may be a stretch to consider using it as your main mouse, but I wouldn't mind using this mouse for long periods of time.

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I do not understand the timing of this thread nor the content. This mouse came out really long time ago (not sure when) and this mouse is not superior in any way. If it was so superior then why did it used to be priced well below it's slightly bigger and much-much better brother VX Revolution??? I've had a pleasure to try both of these mice and in the case of VX Nano - not really a big pleasure. Because the mouse is intended to be ambidextrous the flat top just does not work for people with normal hand size - fingers sit awkwardly and in the beginning your hand actually tends to cramp up. Revolution does not have that problem as the mouse is ergonomic and fits into your hand perfectly.
Score Nano 0 : Revolution 1
The receiver is nice (small), but it does not offer the same versatility than the VX Revolution receiver. With Revolution you take the receiver, tuck it in the mouse and the mouse shuts off (not eating battery), but with Nano yes, you can leave the receiver in, but then you still have to hold down the small button to turn it off ergo although the receiver is bigger you are saving batteries because you know that when you threw your mouse is the bag it was shut off because the "freakishly large" received did not hit your bag when you put your notebook in it.
Score Nano 0 : Revolution 2
AND... Revolution has a zoom button built into the thing so while zooming around Excel a flicker of your finger can make everything look a lot bigger or a lot smaller...
Score Nano 0 : Revolution 3
Price... OK fine... Revolution used to be listed at higher price (of about $10), but looking at Logitech page they are even now... No additional points given...
WINNER - REVOLUTION

I bought my Logitech VX Nano last time it was on sale for $29 after rebate. I got my Logitech manufacturer's rebate a week ago without hassle.

Some bag on the Nano's forward and back buttons location, but I love it. I hate mice that have buttons on the side because then I end up accidently clicking them when I'm just trying to pick the mouse up off the desk temporarily. The Nano puts these buttons on top, so you never have an accidental mis-fire. As long as your index finger is flexible enough to reach up and over, you can quickly use these buttons with precision and ease.

#1 claims Nano doesn't turn off when you hide the receiver inside the mouse. He is just wrong. My Nano automatically turns off when hiding the receiver inside the mouse, just like his description of the VX Revolution. After you take the receiver back out, the mouse automatically turns on.

However, with the Nano, you'll probably just leave the receiver installed in your USB port, thus you won't use the automatic power off. The Nano does not have a slide switch to manually power off, instead it has a stupid recessed button on the bottom that you have to hold down for a second or two.

That hold down time is a waste of time for me and I end up just throwing the mouse in my bag without powering off. The mouse does not consume enough power to make this a big problem. My pair of FujiCell 1000mAH NiMH AAA batteries lasted over a month for me, and I used this mouse daily for 8+ hours a day doing software development and a little CAD drawing on weekends.

I believe the Logitech mouse software gave me a nice little system tray pop up warning when it decided I had about 5 days of power left. That gave me plenty of time to recharge a set of batteries before being left high and dry with a dead mouse.

The mouse uses an invisible 848nm low power laser for its silky smooth and precise tracking. If you like teasing your co-workers, you might be disappointed with this mouse because you can't blind them with a bright red laser in the eye like you could using older optical mice.

This was the first mouse with tiny receiver. Although build-in bluetooth is very popular for new laptop, there're still huge amount of laptops without bluetooth. This mouse is a perfect solution for people who need to bring their laptops from place to place.

Got one of these at Staples for $39 on sale (no rebate). It's a great mouse for a laptop. Although the mouse is light, it has a solid feel to it. The movement is really smooth, too. Because the mouse is so small, my fingers seem to get a bit cramped after a couple of hours of use. I will buy another for my other laptop if the price is a straight $29 (no rebate).

#8: 6 months and still going? Sweet. What kind of batteries are you using? Do you use your mouse very much?

I've been using non-hybrid 1000mAh NiMH FujiCell AAA's, but now that I'm thinking about it, maybe I should switch to using my 750mAh Rayovac Hybrid AAA's. After a month or so, the self discharge problem of normal NiMH cells might be the limiting factor instead of the power consumption of the mouse.

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